Cipollina — Restaurant in Austin

Cipollina is a true hidden gem in Austin, nestled in a small shopping complex next to a grocery store, giving it the feel of your friendly neighborhood Italian spot. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed, and the warm, inviting ambiance set the perfect tone for the evening. Opting to sit outside, we were able to fully enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, complemented by attentive and friendly service.

The food was just as delightful as the setting. To start, the garlic knots were an absolute must-try—soft, flavorful, and elevated by the touch of green garlic. They were the perfect way to kick off the meal. The fennel salad was another standout, fresh and vibrant with a great balance of flavors.

While the burrata dish didn’t quite hit the mark for us—it was served pre-split, losing some of its signature creaminess, and the combination of grilled shishito peppers, tomatoes, and bread didn’t quite come together harmoniously—we appreciate the creativity behind the dish and hope they refine it.

Now, for the real stars of the night: the Tagliatelle Alfredo was nothing short of spectacular. The noodles—oh my god—just melted in my mouth. The sauce could have used a touch more garlic, but the sheer perfection of the pasta more than made up for it. And to end on a high note, the crème brûlée was flawless. Perfectly balanced in sweetness with a crisp, hard shell—an absolute delight!

Beyond the amazing food, Cipollina is well-priced with generous portions, making it a spot we’d happily return to. If you're in Austin and craving a comforting yet elevated Italian meal, this place is...

If you're a young, budget-conscious Austinite, turn around and go home--this place is not for you. Cipollina is a casual but somewhat upscale bistro tucked away in the adorable West Lynn neighborhood. Given its proximity to the Tarrytown area, it seemingly attracts patrons of an older, more affluent demographic. At least... let's just say THIS young(ish) Austinite didn't feel like she was among her peers. I'm not totally hating--the food is fantastic! It's fresh, largely organic, and locally sourced, which probably explains the steep prices. Yes folks, unlike most upscale Austin restaurants, don't think that hitting this place up at lunch, brunch or happy hour will give you a significant price break. But if you take time to appreciate the quality of what you're eating, you may find that it's worth the cost. Lunch is a great time to make a quick, easy visit because it's one of the few places in the area with an adequate parking lot. And if you're avoiding weekend brunch crowds, give it a shot--the menu is small, but you'll find some simple, well-made dishes that let the ingredients speak. If you're looking a good deal or a massive amount of food in a meal, look elsewhere. But if quality and freshness at any cost is your game, you will be pleased...

Last night was disappointing on a couple of fronts. We used Open Table to book an early dinner. We are talking 5:45. We arrived on time to a nearly empty restaurant and went to be seated. They began to lead us to a high, small bar top by the window. We refused the seating and asked to sit at a standard table. The hosts fussed with the computer for a bit and told us that he would give us a standard table but we had to agree to leave within one hour. I believe the words were, we will give you a "whole hour" at the table. Frankly, we were going to enjoy a bottle of wine and the last thing we wanted was to have our food rushed out so they could free up our table. We refused and left. A couple of things to consider here. 1. We used Open Table, the dinner was cancelled by Cipollina so we couldn't write a review. 2. We had an amazing dinner and bottle of wine at Barlata's I highly recommend 3. We will never be back. Austin is full of amazing places for dinner, Life is too short to deal with jerks. FYI, the manager was standing there watching the interaction and said nothing, so I guess it must be policy. ...